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THE KING’ S BUSINESS
ance “Unto the remission o f sins.” John’s baptism did not bring about forgiveness; it only prepared the people to receive it from the Messiah. John did call, however, for a change of mind, or what is known as repentance, John’s baptism was prepara tory to that offered by Christ. 3. Advent o f the Servant; divine testi mony, 1 :9-ll. The baptism o f Christ is here consid ered (cf. Matthew 3:16. 17 and previous lessons). Let us not forget that the bap tism o f Jesus signified the willingness of the Messiah to identify Himself with His people and to bear the load o f their sins. It is true that, so far as He Himself was concerned, He needed baptism, but as far as repentance and remission of, sins- were concerned, He needed it not. He came up “straightway” from the water, whereas others Remained confessing their sins. The significance o f the descending Holy Spirit, the heavenly voice, and the opened heavens, is discussed in our notes on the baptism in Matthew 3. 4. Fitted for service; satanic' testing, 1:12, 13. This is the story, briefly told by Mark, o f the temptation. It is fully discussed in Matthew. The expression “was with the wild beasts” is peculiar to Mark, and reminds us o f the authority which God gave to Adam, but he fell by reason of his sin. It predicts to us also that future millenial day when the fear of beasts shall be taken from the sons o f men (Isaiah 11:6-9). The angels, also, were with Christ. It is not too much to believe that both bad and good angels, were watching this fierce conflict between the Prince o f light and the prince o f darkness. That there are sUch orders o f beings is clear from other parts o f the Scripture (Ephesians 1 :21; 6 : 12 ) . Note the absence o f such facts in the life o f Christ as the genealogy; the mir aculous conception and birth; the adora tion o f the shepherds and wise men; the events o f the early life o f Jesus. These
omissions are in accord with the purpose o f the book. Some important events that took place between the temptation o f Christ and the call o f the disciples as narrated here by Mark, are omitted in this gospel, probably because not necessary to, the fulfilment of the writer’s purpose. Some o f these events as recorded by John are: the testimony of John the Baptist (John 1:19-34) ; the early call o f Andrew, John, Simon, Philip, and Nathanael (1:35-51); the marriage in Cana (2 :1-1 2); the first visit to Jerusalem and the first cleansing o f the temple (2:15- 21 ) ; the conversion o f Nicodemus (3:1- 21 )-; the return of Jesus to Galilee through. Samaria, and the discussion with the woman at the well (4:1-41) j the healing o f the nobleman’s son (4:43-54). II. The Ministry of the Servant of the Lord, 1:14-3:11, 22-35. 1. The ministry o f the Servant o f the Lord, unassisted, 1:14-3:12. (a) The Servant working. (i) The call of the first four, disciples, 1 : 14 - 22 . This call was probably not the first that had been given these disciples. Doubtless, from this moment, they gave their whole time to the service o f Christ. They were first disciples o f the Baptist (John 1:35).; then followed Jesus (John 1 :3 6 ); then dwelt with Him for a while (John 1 :39) ; were eye-witnesses o f His first miracle (John 2:2) ; and now became permanent disciples. Another call will yet come. (2) Casting out an unclean spirit, 1 :23- 28. Here Christ is in conflict with the direct agencies o f Satan himself. Demoniac pos session was common in those days. It was more prominent during the days of Christ’s earthly life than before or after. It would seem as though when God became incar nate, Satan became incarnate also. The devils believed and trembled (James 2:19) ; men believe and worship Christ as King (Isaiah 33:17). Demons sometimes recog nize Christ when men do not (John 1:10). Matthew’s first miracle is the healing of
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